Apartment Therapy's
Top Home Essentials
Like a little black dress, everyone should have classic white porcelain bowls in their dish repertoire. This design by Martin Hunt brings studio ceramics to the masses and we find ourselves reaching for them again and again.
$7
Buy NowSometimes the simplest solutions are the best ones. This hand-held pumice stone quickly makes clothing and other fabrics look new again, no batteries required. Dribbled salad dressing on your new cashmere? You're on your own there.
$11
Buy NowThe less laundry the better is our motto. These vinyl placemats have a sophisticated, contemporary look nice enough for a dinner party and can be easily wiped clean between meals for everyday use.
$15
Buy NowA modern and beautifully simple take on the jewelry box that is especially suited for small bedrooms. A clever one-pull motion opens the drawer and a mirror flips up ready for use — voila!
$40
Buy NowThe littlest of luxuries, these cotton pads are a small upgrade that make a big difference in any bathroom routine. 100% unbleached cotton, these squares are super soft but strong and won’t leave you covered in fuzz.
$7
Buy NowMade in Germany, this iron takes domestic perfection to the next level, with 400 steam holes for even distribution, a sharp precision tip, an anti-calcium system for cleaner cleaning, and much more.
$78
Buy NowWho knew we could get excited about an oven mitt? But this one is nearly perfect — four layers of suede and sized to protect your hand without feeling bulky. Its no-fuss appearance is understated yet chic and nice enough to use on the table as a hot pad.
$29
Buy NowIconic designer Eva Zeisel's talent shines through in this teapot. Its unique shape and matte white finish stay true to her recognizable touch and the design legacy she left behind.
$64
Buy NowEven speakers are smart these days, and these wireless speakers, which work on wi-fi, come in a pair, allowing you to stream different music in different rooms or connect to each other for a more full-bodied sound.
$298
Buy NowWe all need practicality and space-saving tricks in the kitchen. This compact set, complete with measuring cups, a sieve and colander, answers the call. Measure, prep and store your meals in style.
$100
Buy NowPet hair removal is generally a nuisance and we're done with costly and wasteful lint rollers. This remover — available in three sizes — grabs fur from clothing and furniture and collects it in a self-cleaning base.
$15
Buy NowSalt Bae has nothing on these. Up your salt and pepper game with these minimalist spice mills in five muted color palettes. No need to keep them in the cabinet, you'll want to look at them every day.
$87
Buy NowOne pillow to please everyone is a tall order but this one is filled with shredded visco-elastic memory foam that can be added or removed to create your perfect fullness. The cooling cover is made with bamboo-derived rayon for extra softness.
$60
Buy NowScents are deeply personal so we won't be offended if you choose another Caldrea scent but we are big proponents of this line of earth-friendly, fragrant hand soaps that also look lovely on the counter. Our pro tip: dilute with a bit of water to make it last longer.
$11
Buy NowLights or apps on your phone are no substitute for a really reliable flashlight. And don't let the slender appearance of this one fool you — it's mighty for sure. Drop- and water-resistant, it's suitable for outdoor activites as well as inside the home.
$28
Buy NowHave a global kitchen with these towels made from Belgian flax linen and spun in Italy (perhaps you're cooking Mexican?). Each towel has a clever loop and tie so you can wear it as a half apron if you like.
$32
Buy NowSmoke detectors are a safety must, but from battery chirps to mixed signals, they can be a nuisance too. This smart detector, which talks and says just what the trouble is, even sends alerts to your phone.
$119
Buy NowWe love the way design can transform even the humblest objects into useful works of art. These scissors by Danish design team Hay are a budget-friendly buy that will add a touch of elegance to everyday tasks.
$13
Buy NowThere’s hardly anything less glamorous than a compost bucket, unless you choose one as sleek and stylish as this. Beside not being an eyesore on the counter, it's also dishwasher-safe, and biodegradable.
$40
Buy NowYou don't have to have a "no shoes at home" policy to invest in a great pair of slippers. Our favorites are these cozy wool and calf-skin pair that keep our feet warm all winter without being too hot for the rest of the year.
$95
Buy NowYou'll want to keep this beauty out on the dinner table. The white oak handle is a small touch but elevates this above other plastic pitchers. The filters are plant-based and result in a crisp-tasting water. See our full water filters guide.
$32
Buy NowThe world needed a better designed cable and this is it. The weighted knot keeps it accessible on any flat surface and its 10' length gives you more flexibility to use it where you like.
$36
Buy NowDesigned to reach into tall glasses or vases, we find ourselves using this versatile sponge for nearly everything in the sink. Made of cellulose, bamboo and recycled plastic, it stands upright on the counter and checks all the boxes — environment, function and aesthetics.
$7
Buy NowEveryone deserves to sleep on great sheets. These have a thread count of 400, are soft, durable, available in 20 colors and won't break the bank.
$30-60
Buy NowOffered in an array of pretty pastels or white, this mirror is a sweet dose of eye candy that will help you get ready while even holding your makeup or jewelry in its base as you go.
$120
Buy NowIf you're ready to invest in good towels, these hit the sweet spot of softness, absorbency and durability. You may even end your shower-singing session sooner so you can hurry up and use one.
$114
Buy NowDon't let cost stand in the way of displaying the things you love. This inexpensive frame series (available in multiple sizes) is our go-to source for filling our homes with art, from tabletops to full-on gallery walls.
$2-20
Buy NowWe are microfiber converts and love that this removable cover can be thrown in the washing machine after a good mopping session. Use it wet or dry, the head swivels 360 degrees to get into corners where dirt tends to collect.
$25
Buy NowLeave it to the Eameses to put their mark on a humble utilitarian object in a way that's still recognizable sixty-five years later. The wire hooks with the wooden ball ends (in wood, black or multi-color) strike just the right balance between playful and modern.
$199-299
Buy NowThis 24-piece glassware collection brings a little taste of France to your home and is just right for everyday use or special occasions. Each tumbler is made of shatter-resistant tempered glass and can be used for hot or cold beverages.
$79
Buy NowIf you’ve not yet taken the plunge into the smart home trend, this is the best place to start. The compact device is an affordable home assistant that will get you itching to upgrade your whole home.
$50
Buy NowWhat's the most annoying part about cleaning a bathtub? The tangled hair clogging the drain. This dual water stopper and hair catcher is a clever problem solver in a small package.
$9
Buy NowAdd a rose gold finish to anything and it instantly becomes chicer and sleeker. Like this double-sided stainless steel step can, which allows for regular trash and recycling, with a liner pocket for easy bag storage. See our full kitchen trash cans guide.
$200
Buy NowWith their slim stature and velvety coating, these non-slip hangers will grip your clothes tightly and save space in your closet. You'll wonder why you lived with cheap, mismatched hangers for so long.
$30
Buy NowA splurge-worthy blanket that is soft and cozy, but lightweight enough to use year-round. It reverses to white so you can quickly change up your bed's look on a whim.
$98-498
Buy NowThe Turkish towel trend is still going strong and we're on board. Lightweight, fast-drying, absorbent and softer with each wash, we love them for the bathroom, beach and beyond. While there's something to be said for neutrals, we're all in on these bright colors (seven choices).
$19
Buy NowIf all you ask of your shower caddy is it doesn't swing around or rust, you're not asking for enough. simplehuman's version has shelves that adjust horizontally and vertically to hold various-sized bottles, razors, sponges and more for every part of your shower routine. See our full shower organizers guide.
$40
Buy NowWhen storage containers come with scientific backing and patented technology, you know they're legit. These canisters, the best we've found, come in multi-stackable sizes and take the air out of your dry goods to keep them fresher longer.
$12-23
Buy NowScent is often overlooked as a feel-good component of a home. Weighing in at just over a pound, this stylish, compact diffuser comes in four colors and uses ultrasonic technology to transform water and essential oils into a fragrant mist that can last for up to 18 hours between fillings.
$80
Buy NowEverything in your kitchen should help you function better. So a drying rack that fits over the sink, rolls up to be stored away when not in use, is heat-resistant and can act as a trivet equals a big win. (And even more so in a small home.)
$25
Buy NowHandmade using 100% pure New Zealand wool, these little balls naturally soften your laundry without harsh chemicals and reduce drying time, static and wrinkles for up to 1,000 washes. Yes, 1,000 washes.
$19
Buy NowFinally, a fashionable sweeper. With its sleek appearance, standing dustpan, and ergonomic handle, this small cleaning tool marries good design with good housekeeping.
$49
Buy NowFrom breakfast smoothie to late night wine, these are the shatterproof glasses for any "fancy" occasion. They're nearly indestructible and can get popped right in the dishwasher to use again and again.
$20
Buy NowYou won't always live in the same house with the same drawers, so this adjustable utensil organizer is a purchase that will keep giving no matter where you call home.
$18
Buy NowA fantastic bathrobe is one of life's simple pleasures (and may even turn you into a morning person). This 100% organic cotton robe is like draping yourself in a soft, plush towel that moves with you.
$148
Buy NowHeath has embraced handmade culture since the 1950s and their designs are timeless. The multi-stem vase comes in six colors or glazes and is enticing enough to display even without flowers.
$98-129
Buy NowWith this cordless vacuum, Dyson somehow was able to retool the back-breaking work of vacuuming into an (almost) cathartic and low-maintenance cleaning experience. There’s no going back now.
$450
Buy NowA good shower can be hard to leave, but stepping onto a luxurious mat is its own pleasure. Made from 100% Egyptian cotton, this one is seriously plush and comes in 17 colors to suit any bathroom's decor.
$44-84
Buy NowA good air purifier should go unnoticed. This one sits flat against any wall or piece of furniture, runs absolutely silently and comes with a choice of four different filter systems: pet allergy, odors, toxins or germ defense. See our full air purifiers guide.
$500
Buy NowYou may not use cloth napkins every night of the week but every home should have some for when company arrives, for date night at home or tea with a friend. Our advice: go simple and classic. These linen napkins, in nine colors, exactly fit the bill and will last a lifetime.
$8
Buy Now